It's always satisfying to find a new restaurant in the neighborhood that's comfortable, dependable, and easy. Residents of Andersonville recently found their dining options greatly enhanced with the Nov. 12 opening of Charlie's Ale House, at 5308 N. Clark Street.
Yes, that's the same Charlie's Ale House that has been satisfying customers in Lincoln Park and Navy Pier for years.
"I've lived in the neighborhood for four years," says Tim Rasmussen, an owner of the new Charlie's. "I knew it would go over really well, a real neighborhood spot." With comfort foods, like meatloaf (advertised as better than mom's), shepard's pie, mac and cheese, southern fried chicken, a daily Blue Plate Special, and the ever-popular chicken pot pie, Charlie's feels like it's been part of Andersonville for years. Part of that comes from the design of the space that seats 175 people, including seats at the bar.
"We made it really cozy," explains Rasmussen, "in warm colors, and divided the space into smaller rooms." Perfect for the season, diners can cozy up to the fireplace with a flatbread pizza (BBQ chicken, Margherita, and even a B.L.T.) and a glass of wine. Charlie's serves 20 wines by the glass, with a selection of offerings that are fairly priced and nicely balanced. Or, try one of the many flavored martinis (a friend swears by the Red Delicious Apple Martini: Ketel One, Midori, Sour Apple, Cranberry Juice, and an apple slice).
Of course, the selection of beers is also varied, with a huge range of domestic and imported bottles and draft beers, but that doesn't mean you can't bring the kids. Everyone is welcome at Charlie's. "This isn't a sports bar," says Rasmussen. "This isn't a kids' place." Instead, it's a place for everyone, not just some people. "We wanted a place that would reflect the diversity of the neighborhood."
This Charlie's offers 50% more menu items, and improved presentation and ingredients, with no increase in pricing. Rasmussen's favorite new appetizer is the salmon croquettes (grilled and smoked croquettes, fried, and served with herb cole slaw, and remoulade sauce), but he is quick to point out his love of the new portofino flatbread pizza, with wild mushrooms, oven-roasted garlic, spinach, mozzarella, and tomato sauce. He also favors the portobello salad, a mix of meaty mushroom, grilled asparagus, roasted red peppers, and various lettuces, topped with shaved parmesan and an onion vinaigrette. That's a perfect entree for warm weather, and Rasmussen is ready for it, with a limited number of sidewalk tables, and giant sash windows that will open up on nice days.
"We will bring the outside inside," he explains. Right now, diners can focus their attention on weekend brunch, which just started Dec. 7, and is served 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. "It went really well. I'm pushing my partner to open earlier, at 10 a.m., but he's in charge of the kitchen." My guess is demand will force Charlie's to open earlier than that.
Rasmussen says that he is often asked about expanding Charlie's even further. "Y'know, I don't have plans to own 50 Charlie's," he says. "I'm 46, and I'm having a good time with this one. I want to do the best job we can here." You can call Charlie's Ale House Andersonville at (773) 751-0140.
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Other new openings include a trio of varied offerings on the hot restaurant row of Division Street, on the border of Wicker Park and Ukranian Village.
The 2000 and 2100 blocks of Division house all three. First up, is the tiny Picante, just west of Damen. The bright red sign for the restaurant is almost as big as the place itself. Located in a former, tiny hot dog stand, Picante offers up cheap, fresh Mexican fare. There are no real surprises on the menu, but this is a quick, order at the counter, less obvious choice in a neighborhood that doesn't have many choices for fast food. Don't plan on eating inside, though you can squeeze into a corner, if you have nowhere else to go.
Across the street, and just a few doors west, is Innjoy. Open for a couple of months now, you won't be able to miss it, since the massive light-up sign draws every eye on the block. Inside, things are a little more laid back, with typical bar food, and lots of drinks, as well as some surprising sandwiches and pizzas. First and foremost, however, Innjoy is a bar. The fact that they serve some respectable food is just a bonus. So, if you want smoke-free dining, look elsewhere.
Those more serious diners might want to look right next door, where Ohba has opened up in the former Rambutan. Although Ohba has only been open for business for a few weeks, it has already become a dining destination for the same crowd that flocked to Mirai, right across the street. In fact, the people who are behind Mirai are the same folks who have brought Ohba to Division Avenue. Unlike Mirai, however, Ohba is not strictly Asian, although many of its entrees have Asian influences.
Hungry diners, or, really, those with an average appetite may be a bit surprised at the modest entree sizes that go along with the less-modest prices. But, The stylish surroundings are what this crowd is paying for.
See the front page, left side directory of www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com for Dining Out listings.
